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10.15.2008

Chocolate "Muffins"

These aren't really muffins (hence the ""), but they are delicious and pretty healthy. Only 1 point a piece on Weight Watchers, if you make 24 servings. They're so super easy to make and with only 2 ingredients easy on the pocket book too!


Ingredients:

1 box of devils food cake mix

1 15 oz can of pumpkin


Add pumkin to cake mix and stir...my tip is that you don't use a flimsy spoon...use a wooden spoon because this is going to take some elbow grease and a sturdy utensil...it seems like it's impossible, but it's not.

It'll finally start to look like really THICK cake batter.
At this point, you could either divide into muffin tins or put in a bundt pan or loaf pan. I prefer to make them in muffin tins because then they are already perfectly portioned! Bake at 350 for 22-25 minutes. They will not come out like fluffly little muffins because there is no egg or oil, but they are moist and oh-so-yummy!
Enjoy!

10.14.2008

Weekend Review

Well,...

Ok,...

So,...

Yeah, this weekend, or should I say the first part of Saturday was a big 'ol bummer. My Sooners got beat by Texas! I strongly dislike Texas (sorry for anyone who reads this and is from Texas...I really just have issues with UT or A&M, but if you're just from TX in general it's ok...it's totally a football thing). I don't want to say I knew it or anything like that, but on Saturday morning I was sitting on the couch with the sickest feeling in my stomach. My husband kept on talking smack about Texas and how OU was definitely the better team, and how we would DEFINITELY beat them by more than a touchdown...and on...and on...and on. I just started sensing defeat. Kinda like the feeling I had when we played West Virginia. When we went into half-time with a one point difference...the feeling got stronger. Then Reynolds got hurt and he's part of the backbone of our defense, so there ya go...#1 down the drain!

Saturday evening was better. My mom and I took Isaiah to Carmichael's Pumpkin Patch. I LOVE pumpkins and boy do they have pumpkins...small ones, big ones, CINDERELLA ones, green ones, WHITE ones, bright orange, pale orange...you name it, they've got it! Here's some pics...

King of the pumpkins...

One of my favorite pics...
Isaiah hugging the baby goat...(that is a hug, right?...not a head-lock?...let's hope it's a hug) :P
Isaiah riding Sarah the camel...
Loading our wheelbarrow full of pumpkins...see my Cinderella ones :)
There were LOADS of pumpkins...this isn't even half of it...and behind those big bins of pumpkins was an awesome hay maze...Isaiah ran through there at lightning speeds! One time he came out and his cheek was all dirty and a little red. So, I asked him what happened. He said that he thought he was going through a door, but it was a wall...that could be a problem. Didn't slow him down though. He's tough.

Here's Isaiah and his Memo (like Nemo the fish, but with an M)...they love each other!
Isaiah and Mommy...
Isaiah riding Blaze the pony...
Where's Isaiah?
My fav pic...I LOVE white pumpkins!
Hope y'all enjoyed! I tried to load a slideshow from Flickr, but it WOULD NOT work...argh!

10.13.2008

Then and Now...

Well, my friend Lisa over at The Pumpkin Pink Cottage did a "Then and Now" post...then she said, "Double Dare YOU to Play"...I can't pass up a dare, especially a DOUBLE dare...plus I LOVE old photos, so here goes...

Here's me and my mom when I was about a month or so old...why do photos from the 70's have a red tint to them? This would have been late 1977. Like my mom's Farrah Fawcett hair-do?!
Here's one of me, my mom and my mom's twin sister when I was about one. This would have been taken in November 1978. I love those big 'ol glasses my Aunt V has on...cracks me up!
Here's one of me and my Aunt V when I was about 6...probably taken in the summer of 1984. Now I have Farrah Fawcett hair!
I don't have pre-teen/early teen year pics on my computer, so I'll jump right on over to 1994...
Here's a pic of me and my bff. I was about 15 in this pic. I think we were at a Student Council Convention...don't mind the person trying to flip-off the camera (I could name names, but I won't) Sheeeshh, what's wrong with teenagers these days? I think we were totally into Z Cavaricci Jeans, big hoop earrings...and apparently I liked red lipstick...

Do you see a trend here people? Well, this is one from yearbook, we were always REALLY busy and we had absolutely NO time to play around with the camera and do things we weren't supposed to...and you would NEVER catch anyone making obscene hand gestures at the camera...NEVER ever.

All I have to say on this one is look at those sleeves!...and all that hair! That's me on the far left, and that's my "date" in the middle, my lovely cousin Renee (My Glimpse of Life). This would have been in 1995 at our Junior/Senior Prom. Gorgeous!! (Look down at my right hand in the pic...is that a 110 camera? Do they even make those anymore?)
I threw this one in so you all would know that I've been a dork for a long time...so, it's not a new thing. This is of me and Sunshine...probably in 2002 pre-baby, I was about 25. I had lost about 70 lbs. Wish I could be there again.
Here's one of me and my bubba...this was taken down at the Coffee Mugg. Isaiah was probably 1 1/2 years old. So, I was about 27 in this pic. (sans make-up...please excuse)
Here's one of me a few months back...chillin' in my office, taking self-portraits...I have issues.
Now, let me see yours!

Witches Shoes and Pumpkins

I still can't leave the Halloween decorating be...I have a million ideas running through my head and I've been jumping from craft project to craft project. Working overtime last week really put a cramp in my style, if you know what I mean?! So, I was able to finish a few things I've been working on and here are some pics...

More pumpkins with ribbons...love these!

And a pair of witches shoes...


I've got a few more things I've been playing around with. I'll post some more soon.

ta-ta for now...

Oh, speaking of ta-tas, everybody knows this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so be sure to do your part...eat some yoplait yogurt and save the lids, go get a breast exam, do a self breast exam, join a walk or marathon! Get out there and save the ta-tas!

10.12.2008

Sunday Snapshot



I took this picture a couple of weekends ago and it's a favorite...the pink is so pretty. I love roses, don't you?

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet ~ William Shakespear

10.11.2008

You're Invited to a Puppet Show!

Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen! The puppet show is about to begin...(lights dim, curtains open)

Hello! I'm Freddie the Frog. My it's a nice day today.


I'm just sitting on this log (or couch rather) minding my own business.


What? Did you say you heard something? It sounds like a what?


AHHHHHHHH!!! It's a killer Robot Dinosaur! Run for your lives!!!


This puppet show brought to you today by Martha Stewart Craft Kits...
(Pay no attention to the kid with no clothes on. Where is this kids clothes? Better yet, where is this kid's MOTHER?)

They are easy-peasy-japanesey! No glue, no cutting. Just open them up and throw them together...it's just a craft waiting to happen! Go take a look here at her website, Martha Stewart Crafts. (psssst...you can buy them at Wal-Mart)

*This is an unpaid advertisement* :)

10.10.2008

25th Post...GIVEAWAY!

So, this is my 25th post! Yippee-Skippy! This past week has just been chalked-full of giveaways...candles, Target gift cards...so, I felt like I wanted to do something too. 'Tis always better to give, than to receive, right? (you're supposed to say 'yes') OK, I'm going to conduct my own little giveaway. However, I'm going to keep the prize a secret. Everybody loves surprises! Here's what you've got to do...just leave me a comment. Post a blog on your page for another entry. That's it, it's that simple. I won't give away what I'm going to send you, but I promise it'll be worth the 5 minutes it takes to leave a comment and a blog!! :)

*I'll take entries until next Thursday (October 16th, 2008). On Friday morning (October 17th), I'll post the winner and have them e-mail me their address. Their package will be in the mail that day!*

Friday Confessions


  • Isaiah had beef jerky and pickles for breakfast one morning...don't ask.

  • In church last Sunday, the thought of hair extensions came to mind and although Pastor was giving a wonderful message, my mind kept drifting to hair extensions...I don't have hair extensions and I honestly don't know anyone (personally) that does...so I have no idea why I couldn't get the topic out of my brain. I'm pretty sure that's not what God was wanting me to get from the sermon.

  • I am SO ready for this election to be over.

  • While on politics, I just want it to be known that I don't agree with the bailout.

  • I've let Isaiah stay up until 10:30 every night because I want to spend a little extra time with him. Getting home late from work sucks!

  • I feel guilty when I leave work because there is so much to be done.

  • I also feel guilty when I'm not at home...something's gotta give.

  • Oh, now I guess I should confess that I said the word 'sucks'...my mom hates that word.

  • I watched Dirty Sexy Money the other night...and I liked it...this comes after me stating (and I quote) "that show is so trashy and superficial." I guess I like trashy and superficial.

  • I live vicariously through Addison from Private Practice (previously of Grey's Anatomy)...I mean come on, who wouldn't...she's a gorgeous red-head, a doctor, and she lives on the beach...oh, and not to mention the hot SWAT guy that she went on a date with! HOTT!

10.09.2008

Target Giveaway!

Wow, everyone is in the giving spirit this week...it's like Christmas in October!


Wondering D.C. is doing a giveaway. Here's the rules


1. Comment her on her blog (http://wanderingdc.blogspot.com/).

2. Blog about it for an extra entry.


Oh, and here's the best part...it's a $25 gift card from TARGET! Woot Woot!


Thursday Thoughts

Here's a few things that have been on my mind this week...

  • Did you know that some guy in Germany had a double ARM transplant? They can do that? Where have I been? Apparently he received the arms of a young teenager who had passed away. WOW! I'm amazed.
  • Who said we could just have 24 hours in the day. Was it God? I'm not sure on this one, but whoever made this rule, I'd like to have a couple more added. I was thinking if all of us moms banned together we could get something done about this. Let me know what you think.
  • My DH stayed home from work yesterday because his back was hurting...(I will not turn this into a bashing post...just hear me out). Now, I understand that he has a more strenuous job than I do. He reminds me all the time that I have a "desk" job...so, how could I be tired? So, point taken he exerts himself while on the job, and when your back is "hurting" that could pose a problem. However, he stayed home all day yesterday and I'm pretty sure he only made it out of his chair to fix him some lunch and go to the bathroom. Isaiah goes to my Granny's after school, which is less than a block from our house, when I got home yesterday evening at 7:00 Isaiah was still at my Granny's...less than a block from our house...and Michael was still in his chair. Would a mom get away with that? I think not. I'm just stating facts here people.
  • Last night on Private Practice (another guilty pleasure), a husband and wife came into the practice to receive help in conceiving. After some testing, they were told that the reason they SHOULD not have a baby is because they are in fact brother and sister!! They were both conceived in a fertility clinic years earlier by the same sperm donor! Crazy, huh?

Now there's some food for thought.

10.08.2008

As American As Apple Pie

What's that supposed to mean? Why is this yummy delectable dessert so intertwined with America...what makes it so...American? Well, apparently the first mention of the dessert was in 1697 in a journal written by a young man from Harvard. However, the coined phrase is not nearly as old. It's just been used since the 60's..."as American as apple pie." It does have a nice ring to it. An article I read on the internet the other day said that apple pie is one of the first culinary dishes America was known for. It's what people from other places would write home about. It is good...who doesn't like a good warm slice of apple pie with a scoop of cold creamy vanilla ice cream? Is your mouth watering yet? Well, I have been wanting to make an apple pie for a while now. I've made pies before, but they've been pumpkin or some out-of-the-box variety. So, last week my good friend, Melissa, gave me her recipe. Last night, after another late night at work, I just needed some peace and tranquility...what better way to achieve that than in the kitchen. Here's what I made...






I think my lattice pattern needs a little work...it's not perfect, but it's yummy!


10.07.2008

Dinner-On-The-Fly

I just thought I'd share my "secret recipe" for dinner-on-the-fly...

The yummiest way to make it is with the BBQ chicken chunks at the Wal-Mart deli, but there are always substitutions like leftover chicken or frozen chicken chunks or just any meat you have (unless you're a vegetarian, which my family definitely is not). I just buy the pre-washed-ready-to-go lettuce (romaine preferably), add the chicken (or whatever you choose), top it off with some low-fat cheese, croutons, and low-fat ranch




...voila...dinner!


I know this is a no-brainer, but sometimes we forget how easy it is to throw together a sit down meal. I have to remind myself it doesn't have to be fancy to be QUALITY...


Quality time with the family...that's the most important thing.

So, what's your quick-fix-dinner-on-the-fly? Comment me...blog about it...let me know :)

SpOoKy

I've been crazy over these cute banners that have been popping up everywhere! I love them!!! I made one that says "harvest". I think I posted it on an earlier blog. Then last week I started making one that says "spooky". It is so much fun...I love paper crafts! I didn't get home until 8:30 last night. I worked late. However, when I got home I couldn't just get ready and go to bed. I wanted to spend some time with Isaiah, and he loves sitting at the table making stuff. So, I decided to finish my spooky banner...here's a pic...



Then I switched out the placemats on my table...and did a little rearranging...


Too fun!

Spectacular costumes!

Pumpkins galore!

One fun night!

Oodles of fun!

Kids of all ages!

Your imagination takes flight!

Crazy Daisy Candle GIVEAWAY!!

My friend, Melissa, over at Crazy Daisy Candles (http://www.crazydaisycandles.etsy.com ) is doing a giveaway in honor of her 25th blog post! She's giving away some perfectly plump pumpkins that are filled with oh-so-yummy pumpkin spice! You have to go and check out her blog (www.thecrazydaisy31.blogspot.com) and leave her a comment!! So, what are you waiting for? Hurry on over there!

10.06.2008

Flower Arranging

I don't know why, but I think working with flowers is therapeutic...it's good for the soul. Maybe it's because you're working with something that's straight from the earth...close to God. Well, Friday night on my way home I had to stop by the store for my Granny. While there, I went and picked me up this beautiful bunch of flowers...all various shades of red. I love red! It's my favorite color.

So, when I got home, I remembered that I had got this gorgeous vase given to me by my MIL the last time we were visiting that I had never used...yay!

Here's what I came up with...

Each flower is a soul opening out to nature.- Gerald De Nerval

Weekend In Review

What a great weekend! Saturday morning, Isaiah and I took a trip to the donut shop and bought some donuts and sausage rolls (this will be on my Friday Confessions later in the week). We took them to my mom and dad’s and had breakfast with them. They supplied the coffee...I supplied the donuts! We all just lounged around on the deck, it was a gorgeous morning. I took a call from my cousin Lindsay and we caught up on our chit-chat. The game was at 11:30. We played Baylor and it wasn’t much of a game. The score was 21-0 in the first quarter! However, my Sooners looked good and they played well, so I was happy. Sooners ended up winning 49-17. After the game, my parents and I took Isaiah to the Tulsa State Fair. There were people EVERYWHERE...very interesting people! Do you like to people watch? I LOVE to people watch. I’m nosey by nature. I just can’t help myself. You have to remember that we live in Oklahoma and let me tell you, we have one of every kind...and rednecks flock to the State Fair. The weirdos come out in herds. They’re attracted to all the pretty lights. I was standing in line waiting on my fair favorite, Wisconsin Cheese Curds, and as I stood waiting there were 6 people in front of me...a cowboy (we are in Oklahoma), a punk rocker (or at least a wannabe), a lady with her underwear (ok, maybe they were not "technically" underwear)on for shorts and a hot pink cowboy hat, this she-man (no kidding, this lady had more hair on her body than Michael), and this guy in a wife-beater with a mullet (see I told you...rednecks!). It was entertaining to say the least. Isaiah was totally into riding the rides this year, but he needed ME to go with him on a few. So, I got to ride this boat that went around and around and around...a little nauseating...and we went on the fun slide (ok, I admit that was really...fun!)...oh, and then we went in this Indiana Jones “fun house” thing...I prayed most of the way through...a little scary!...but we made it and Isaiah had a blast!!! Sunday was spent at church and then at my Granny and Grandpa’s. We also took a drive out to the farm house that my mom and dad are remodeling. It’s looking great, by the way! In the back yard, there’s a pear tree and it has TONS of pears right now, so we picked a bag full of pears. Last night, my mother-in-law and brother-in-law drove from Norman and met us for dinner. It was a good weekend. I’ve got tons of pictures, so enjoy the slide show! Hope you all had great weekends too!

10.03.2008

Week In Review


It's been one week today since I purchased my new camera (which I still love, btw). So, I thought I would post some of my favorite pics from the past week. Hope you enjoy :)

Friday Confessions

I'll just feel better going into the weekend, if I can get a few things off my chest. When I was little, I always told on myself...so this just comes naturally.

  1. I've had 3 pieces of cake this week. It was my birthday, what can I say?
  2. I let Isaiah stay up until 12:30 last night, because I was watching What Happens in Vegas (great movie, btw, if you haven't seen it already)
  3. My house is the pits! I totally need to go on a cleaning spree...hopefully the urge hits me soon.
  4. I haven't done laundry since...are you ready for this....MONDAY...yeah, I know.
  5. I think I totalled it up correctly and I have been on blogger, cafemom, or myspace a total of 7 hours this week...while at work...not on my lunch hour...shhhh.
  6. I was late to work twice this week, because I watched DVR'd versions of my fav shows in the morning before work.
  7. I was just balancing my check book using on-line banking...and I've spent a total of 137.54 on nothing but "craft supplies"...glad I have birthday money.
  8. I've only exercised once this week...unless typing is now considered exercise.
  9. I've been to Starbucks 6 times since Monday...and today just getting started
  10. I can't think of a #10, but if it hits me later in the day, I'll be sure to come on here and document it...I just couldn't live with the list at #9...maybe that should be my 10th...I'm a little OCD about weird things...

Are we still friends?

10.02.2008

Dreams, Wishes...and CAKE!

There's something special about birthdays...the feeling of newness...new year, new goals, new dreams, new wishes...yeah, that's what I love about birthdays...oh yeah, and cake...I LOVE cake...especially pumpkin cheesecake from Merritt's Bakery...YUMM-O!







Was Michael trying to burn the house down or what?!

And I also love gifts. I mean who doesn't?


Thanks, Melissa! I loved my box of goodies! I also got money and starbucks gift cards...do you think people know me or what?!


I've got more to blog about, but I'll have to finish later...my boss is yelling at me...seems I'm supposed to be working...